Have you laughed out lately?

Have you? I'm not talking about that brief, fleeting laugh that escapes you once in awhile when you hear something funny, but that hearty, long-lasting laugh that comes from deep within. That uninhibited, loud laughter. Yeah, that's the one. (This of course excludes that delirious mental-state that is ignited by one too many drinks.)

It has been awhile, hasn't it? Can't remember the last time? Well, at least that's the case for me until recently. It's not that I've been horribly depressed (I'm not!), but a good laugh is hard to come by these days. It very much depends on the circumstances and the company. There are just some people whom, even if you have a GREAT sense of humor, just can't make you laugh (think of the Boss).

I am an advocate of the freedom of laughter. I truly believe in letting yourself go, and laugh. Don't just laugh though, roar with laughter. (You realise that I am not such an advocate by choice, but because I simply cannot giggle.) It might be unbecoming of a gal, but suppressing laughter must be one of life's most painful experiences. And surely it is a great fortunate to be able to laugh uninhibitedly?

Recently, during a dull, sleepy afternoon, where everyone was absorbed in their work at my workplace, a voice boomed through the announcement system. "Helloooo Ladies and Gentlemen! We are testing the emergency announcement system..." Such an announcement would usually be solemn and professional, but the guy behind the voice sounded as if he was announcing the next circus act. Hearing that, I burst out laughing, but I had to control it, for at a workplace where one can be easily heard across the level, loud laughter would be hard to stomach. The rest of his announcement was similarly comical and suppressing my laughter only snowballed it into fits, and I was in total agony.

A colleague noted that this guy is being paid to annoy 5000 people (in the building) once a month (that's when they test the announcement system). And I thought, hey, what an excellent job! He must think that the people working in the building are all serious and horribly dull, and hence, decided to add some spice in their life by appearing annoying. I say, good of you! If you are reading this right now, I would love to buy you lunch. For a split second, there was a hint of life at the workplace.

I'm definitely looking forward to the announcement next month.